What’s The Best Tax Software? Popular Tax Software Compared

This is part three of Money Under 30’s “No-Stress Guide To Filing Your Taxes”. Is free tax software really free? Can I file my taxes with my phone? And what’s the difference between free online tax services and tax software that costs $80? The answers here.

Here’s the first part of Money Under 30’s “No-Stress Guide to Filing Your Taxes”, a six-article series on helping you prepare your tax return. We cover:

For the 2014 tax year, the IRS will begin accepting tax returns on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 up to the infamous April 15 deadline.

If you won’t be ready in time, you can file for a tax extension via IRS Form 4868. But that will only delay the issue by six months, and your pile of receipts won’t shrink in the meantime. But there’s one piece of consolation in all this: Young adults have tools at their disposal to crunch the numbers that were unheard of just a generation ago. While we think of e-filing as commonplace, in 1990 it was brand new, and just 1 in 25 individuals filed 1040s in this way.

Compare that to the estimated 140 million returns e-filed in 2012—accounting for more than 80 percent of individual and business taxpayers, according to IRS statistics. As those numbers keep going up, it makes sense to examine the software tools that can make tax time a bit less of chore, if such a thing is possible. Here’s our roundup of software options for the upcoming tax season.

The following chart shows how tax software standard pricing breaks down for 2014 returns. There are numerous discounts to be had if you file early — often before mid February. Prices will go up the closer you get to April 15th. Filers with the most simple tax returns may not have to pay a dime, but if you itemize deductions or have business or rental property income you can expect to shell out for a premium version of whichever software you choose.

Free, including the first state filing, to $75.99 + $36.99 state filing fee, and on most plans you can get a 5 percent bonus on your federal tax return by purchasing an Amazon gift card with it.

Pros and Cons

TurboTax is truly the gold standard in tax preparation software. You can use it in either an online version (which is slightly cheaper), or via CD-ROM and downloadable software. TopTenReviews.com rates it number one among the tax software programs, giving it a 10 out 10 score for accuracy, ease of use, and support: “TurboTax continues to be the most user-friendly tax software, especially for those who have little or no tax preparation experience.” The only con they cite is its lack of tools to import your data from other tax services. They also don’t keep the endless streams of coffee going while you’re up working those numbers, but that’s your job.

Mobile

The TurboTax SnapTax app will work from your smartphone and allows you to snap a photo of your W-2 and file. But it only works for simple tax returns for individuals earning less than $80,000 and married couples earning less than $100,000 in 2013.

Final Say

Ideal for all levels of taxpayers, from those with a 1040EZ (who can use the free version) to those with rental properties and other tax complexities. (TurboTax Premier runs $49.99.) For all versions of its software, filing a state return will cost between $29.99 and $39.99 (before any discounts) depending on the complexity of your return.

Free + $9.99 first state filing fee to $79.95, first state filing fee included.

Pros and Cons

Do these guys know their taxes or what? H&R Block is the nation’s largest tax company and a trusted name in taxes, dating back to the time when Henry Block starred in the “17 Reasons” TV commercials on behalf of his number-crunching operation. You can save significantly using the online options; H&R Block Premium, for example, runs $49.99 for online, compared to $64.95 for the software version, available in both Windows and Mac.

H&R Block also offers free audit support for all levels of its software, including the free version. State e-filing still runs $19.95, unchanged from last year, though you can always print out and mail your returns in, which would cost you just the postage and the envelope.

Arguably as good as TurboTax, at least from the accuracy standpoint, and cheaper, too. “H&R Block is significantly less expensive for investors while TurboTax is a more pleasant user experience” says NerdWallet.

If you’re in the active duty military, TaxSlayer offers free e-filing of federal and state returns. They also offer free live phone support with most of their products, except for the free version, and tax audit assistance is included with its paid versions.

While a little less sophisticated than TurboTax, TaxSlayer still scores well with TopTen Reviews (8.8 out of 10), and is a great option for anyone who wants to file accurate tax returns, but save a little money in the process.

TaxACT actually includes state filing if you select its “Ultimate Bundle” for $17.99, which is in essence its Deluxe Package with an extra $5 tacked on for state e-filing. If you choose its free product, you’ll get one of the few products that actually handles complex tax returns beyond the 1040EZ stage, a big plus. State returns for the free package will cost you $14.99, making the Deluxe a great deal for $3 more, especially if you have to deal with charitable donations, and want free telephone or email support.

Mobile

TaxACT DocVault is a free companion app for organizing and storing tax documents.

Final Say

TaxACT is especially well suited for people whose tax situations are straightforward, and don’t need all the bells and whistles some of the higher-priced products provide. TaxACT also finished second on the TopTenReviews list behind TurboTax, and was the only other tax software provider to earn a perfect 10 for accuracy.

One drawback here is that you have to do your work with Jackson Hewitt online, as they don’t offer a software version. As with other tax preparers, filing state returns will cost you extra. Free online chat and and email support comes with all packages, but free phone support is only available with the Premium ($44.95). Jackson Hewitt gives out refund anticipation loans, and they’ve also got this affinity for wrestling fans (seriously). Last year, JH gave away a trip to the WWE’s Royal Rumble PPV.

Mobile

The JH Mobile app allows you to check the status of your return, estimate your taxes and schedule an appointment at a Jackson Hewitt office.

Final Say

Jackson Hewitt has had some rocky times, emerging from bankruptcy in 2012. But they’re fighting back; they’ve got locations at close to 3,000 Walmart stores now, and earn 8.75 scores from TopTenReviews for accuracy and support. We’re betting that JH, much like the best wrestlers out there, can pin your taxes down via its online service.

Choosing the best tax prep option for you

If your taxes are simple — let’s say you’re single and file the 1040EZ — TaxAct offers the lowest cost route to both federal and state filing. As your taxes grow more complex, you have some decisions to make.

The difference between cheap tax software and an accountant is the level of personalized support you get both in preparing your return and — more importantly — in the event of an audit. (The pricier tax software programs include audit support.)

You can also make the best of both worlds, using the tax software to get you to the finish line, and an accountant’s trained eye to make sure you don’t overlook anything. No matter which route you choose, make sure to get it all done by April 15 … even if that means filing for your extension.

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About Lou Carlozo

Based in Chicago, Lou Carlozo is a personal finance contributor for Reuters Money, a columnist with DealNews.com, and a former managing editor at AOL's WalletPop.com. Contact him with story ideas for Money Under 30 at feedbacker@aol.com, or follow him via LinkedIn and Twitter (@LouCarlozo63).

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